Cling to Faith, RiffTrax: Live, Guardians II Trailer, Movie Trivia, and Ninja News

Unique twist today - Lynda R. Young, author and IWSG Admin, is celebrating the release of her book, Cling to God. Only instead of interviewing her, she is interviewing me…

When and how did you first become a Christian?
I didn’t become a Christian until I was an adult. I always knew something was missing from my life. Then a friend invited me to church and not long after, my life changed forever.

You write awesome scifi. How has being a Christian shaped your stories?

There are things I could never write about. I couldn’t write anything that really ran counter to my faith, whether faith is ever addressed in the story or not.

How has your Christianity changed the way you promote your books and present yourself on social media?

Believe it or not, I was not a people person before I became a Christian. But I quickly realized that to love God was to love His people. So I try to put others first in everything I do. I try to be the giver. (And yes, sometimes I fail.) But I always keep in mind that I am representing God in all I do and say.

Cling to God: A Daily Devotional by Lynda R. Young
Released October 18th, 2016
Published by Freedom Fox Press

Cling to God in the chaos of life…
Cling to God is a book of devotionals for every day of the year. The aim is to encourage Christians in their faith, to help them think about their beliefs and learn more about God. The devotions are short and inspirational so that people with busy lifestyles will still be able to spend time with the Lord each day. It will appeal to a wide Christian audience, to those new in their faith as well as those matured beyond milk and honey.

Lynda R Young writes devotionals, articles, and speculative short stories. In her spare time she is also an editor, game developer, artist, and dabbles in photography and all things creative. She lives in Australia with her sweetheart of a husband. You can find her here: blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads

Find Cling to God at Kindle, Amazon, Nook, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, and Goodreads

Thanks for the interview and the strength to proclaim your faith, Lynda - you rock!

RiffTrax – Carnival of Souls

The next RiffTrax: Live treat coming our way – Carnival of Souls!

Catch it Thursday, October 27 in theaters nationwide. (Performed live in Nashville, TN.) Or see it Halloween night, October 31, during the encore broadcast.

Prepare for my review and a slew of pre-show images next week!

Guardians of the Galaxy II Trailer

Just in case you missed it last week…

Ninja News

CassaDawn is now on Goodreads if you'd like to add it to your shelves!

We have a special guest at the IWSG site today - hybrid author Catherine Ryan Howard!

New Release!

Dark Dawning by Christine Rains
It’s a dark day when someone murders one of their own.
Christine says - I'm so excited to share with everyone the world of Totem! This has been my biggest project ever. Nine books. At around 25k words per book, that's almost 200k!
Find it at Amazon and Goodreads

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Leon and Mathilda, 1994 – The Professional
2 – Ed and Anton, 2007 – No Country for Old Men
3 – Vincent, Jules, and Butch, 1994 – Pulp Fiction
4 – Ah Jong, Jennie, and Yi Ying, 1989 – The Killer
5 – Arthur, Steve, and Big Harry, 1972 – The Mechanic

New Movie Trivia

In honor of Lynda’s release, today’s trivia is all about mainstream movies featuring Christianity and the Bible. Guess the movie from the hints.

1 – Jim Caviezel, crucifixion, 2004
2 – Cecil B. DeMille, Jesus, 1927
3 – Books, Tilda Swinton, 2005
4 – Moses, Yul Brynner, 1956
5 – Ralph Fiennes, plagues, 1998
6 – Animated, whale, 2002
7 – Keisha Castle-Hughes, Joseph, 2006

Does your faith affect your writing? Ready for RiffTrax: Live? Excited about the next Guardians film? Get any trivia answers right? Know any of the movies this week?

Don’t forget the IWSG Anthology Contest is open until November 1. Plus even if you aren’t a member, you can still sign up for our awesome IWSG newsletter for writers.

Have a great Halloween and I’ll see you on IWSG Post day!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Plus RiffTrax Live, June Movie Preview, Members of Band Mastodon Die, and New Release From Heather Gardner

Today (Wednesday) I am visiting Lynda Young and discussing why writers need support. Thursday, I am visiting Patricia Stoltey and discussing the best way to market a book. Please stop by and visit both amazing ladies!

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My awesome co-hosts today are M. Pax, Tracy Jo, Patricia Lynne, Rachna Chhabria, Feather Stone, and Randi Lee!

We are also adding new things to the site. The Publications page now includes conferences, conventions, workshops, festivals, retreats, and seminars, broken down by month. Plus we announced some upcoming stuff, so check it out today.

I’m in a good place now as far as books and writing go. Dragon of the Stars is selling well. There have been many ads in program guides and bookmarks handed out at science fiction conventions. (Next conventions are Space City Comic Con in Texas and Pensacola Comic Con in Florida.) I have guest appearances online through the middle of July. (Monday I visited Rachna’s Scriptorium and discussed the importance of characters.) I might even write a short story about what happens after Dragon ends. (For a very special fan and friend.)

The big news came yesterday from my publisher - CassaFire has been picked up by a publisher in Turkey for Turkish translation into both print and eBook. My book will be available in another language! That is just too wild. Never in my wildest dreams...

Otherwise, I intend to focus more on the IWSG this summer and what I can do to help other writers!

RiffTrax: Live!

Coming to you live, 8:00 pm, July 9 – RiffTrax: Live – Sharknado 2!
If you’ve never seen Mike, Kevin, and Bill, the members of RiffTrax, do a live event, now is your chance.
It will be held in Nashville, TN and broadcast live to hundreds of screens across the country.
Visit the RiffTrax site to get tickets.
And if you want to know more about RiffTrax, check out my interview with Kevin and Bill from earlier this year.

Ninja News

From Entertainment Weekly - Three members of the metal band Mastodon were killed Sunday night – on Game of Thrones! Bill Kelliher, Brent Hinds, and Brann Dailor were all Wildlings, killed and resurrected by the White Walkers. The guys said it was an incredible experience.

Out this week!
Already Home – A Maguire’s Corner Novel by Heather Gardner
Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads
Congratulations, Heather - you rock!

June Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for June! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

5 –

Entourage
Movie star Vincent Chase, together with his boys Eric, Turtle, and Johnny, are back - and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold on a risky project that will serve as Vince's directorial debut.
Director: Doug Ellin
Stars: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon
I’ve never watched the show. Good chance I’ll never watch the movie.



12 –

Jurassic World
Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park (1993), Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly.
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Stars: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Judy Greer
Star Lord battles dinosaurs and a fifty foot tall Rocket – awesome! (And if you didn’t get that, go rent Guardians of the Galaxy this minute!)



19 –

Inside Out
After a girl moves to a new home, her emotions are plunged into chaos as they compete for control of her mind.
Directors: Pete Docter | Ronaldo Del Carmen
Stars: Diane Lane, Rashida Jones, Amy Poehler, Kyle MacLachlan
I want to love Pixar again. I hope this does it.





26 –

Ted 2
Newlywed couple Ted and Tami-Lynn want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he's a person in a court of law.
Director: Seth MacFarlane
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman
Foul mouthed Teddy bear wants to have baby with a woman – what’s not to love? (Oh wait, this could be in really bad taste…)

Big Game
A young teenager camping in the woods helps rescue the President of the United States when Air Force One is shot down near his campsite.
Director: Jalmari Helander
Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Onni Tommila, Ray Stevenson, Victor Garber
I know it sounds awful! But it’s from the director of Rare Exports, the strangest and most unique Santa Claus film you will ever see.

Going to see RiffTrax? (Go once and you’ll laugh so hard, you’ll never miss another one!) Did you see Mastodon die in Game of Thrones? Picking up Heather’s new book? Any of those movies catch your attention? And what are your writing insecurities today…?

Don’t forget to visit Lynda Young today and Patricia Stoltey on Thursday!

The Storm Continues! Science Fiction and Movie News, GI Joe Retribution Review, Naming Characters, and Ninja News

Today’s tour stop is with one truly amazing lady. If I had a twin sister, she would be Lynda Young. We have so much in common, from our geeky interests to our faith, it’s almost scary. I’m visiting her today and talking about how I never even wanted to be an author. Really! Visit her site for the full scoop.

And CassaStorm’s release week kicks off with prizes every day! Comment between September 16 and 20 to enter. (Ends 6:00 pm EST Sunday, September 22.)
Prizes include:
Cassa mousepad
Cassa Universe poster
Cassa magnet
Cassa mug
Autographed copy of CassaStorm
One person will be randomly selected each day and the five names will be drawn from a hat – first person gets first choice and so on.

This week I will be featuring my tour, unique Cassa facts, trivia, and prizes every day. Plus others are announcing CassaStorm’s release, and almost every post features a unique interview question. List of participants on the CassaStorm Page. So join the fun!

Science Fiction and Movie News

Pixar will not have a movie next year! According to JoBlo’s site, The Good Dinosaur has been pushed back to November 2015 due to a change in directors. This also bumps Finding Dory back to June 2016. This will be the first year Pixar has not had a release since 2003. (The horror!)

Caught this at Blastr: Director Roland Emmerich has been trying to come up with a script for Isaac Asimov's Foundation for years, and now is trying to change the story to fit a mini-series. You read that right – Emmerich/Asimov. Fans, you should be very afraid…

Ninja News

Jennifer Hillier posted about a great website called Discover Criminal Justice for anyone writing about criminal justice programs.

The next installment in Hart Johnson’s series is out today – and the first one is free! Check it out and show the Watery Tart some love.

Movie Review

G.I. Joe: Retaliation
I went into this one with very low expectations. To my surprise, I was entertained. It’s more fun than a Hasbro movie has a right to be. Enjoyable performances and great action scenes. It won’t win any Oscars, but it is a fun action film worthy of a rental.

CassaFacts

Creating character names!

Byron, Bassa, and Athee were the original names from the manuscript and short stories. (Outside of Athee, I have no idea how I chose them. Or why one name is a real name. Just go with me on this.) All of the other names I had to create.

One thing that is often frustrating about science fiction and fantasy is difficult to pronounce names. Or really long names. This makes it difficult for readers to connect to the characters and keep track of everyone. I wanted to keep mine short and simple.

Most writers take their time choosing names. Often the names will have a great significance. Or they fit the time period. They aren’t taken lightly though.

Know how I come up with names? I take about twenty minutes and brainstorm alien sounding names, trying to prevent more than one character’s name from starting with the same letter in the alphabet. (Byron and Bassa were already named – you’ll just have to forgive me for that.) Then I run through my cast of characters and match them up, filling in the blanks. Takes about ten minutes.

Yes, that quickly. And yes, I am filling in blanks. I don’t name them until after the first draft. Sometimes later! Yes, that’s a lot of blanks. No, I’ve never placed a name in the wrong place, although I have missed some blank spaces before. (My test readers catch those. My critique partners are probably grateful for that!)

It does seem like an odd way to do it, but I do better matching the name to the personality than the other way around. And so far I’ve managed to keep the names simple and easy to pronounce.

Except for Ernx – want to take a stab at that one?

What’s your process for selecting names?

Cassa Trivia Answers

1 – Who was Byron’s first navigator? Trindel
2 – What was Athee’s relationship to Prefect Orellen? She’s his niece
3 – Who was Byron’s Cosbolt pilot friend in all three books? Ernx (There’s that name again!)
4 – What was the name of the Flagship in CassaStar? Sorenthia
5 – What is the name of Athee’s home world? Tgren

What do you think about the Emmerich/Asimov combination? Following Hart’s series? Get the trivia right? And how do you go about selecting character names? Want to take a stab at pronouncing Ernx...?

Be sure to visit the wonderful Lynda Young!

HOW TO SELL 300,000 BOOKS! Plus Ninja News and IWSG Update

As promised, the awesome RaShelle Workman is here to tell you how she sold 300,000 copies of her books!

Alex asked if I'd be willing to talk about my success as an indie author. I really appreciate him thinking of me.

And I hope some of the information I've listed below will be of some help to you.

***

#1. I wrote in several different genres. This was so important to my success because it allowed me to discover my passion, which is that I'm random, but *mostly* love urban fantasy (magic, other realms, vampires, fairies, but in the present).

In October of 2011 I released a YA sci-fi romance, Exiled. It did okay.

In December 2011 I decided to release my Romantic Suspense, Sleeping Roses. It'd been with two different agents and a small publisher, all of which fell through, so I figured what the heck. It did okay.

It was around that time that I got the idea ~ Snow White becomes a vampire.

Then life happened. I wrote a different book, the second book in the YA science fiction romance series (Beguiled). Hated it. Chucked it. Ignored writing.

In May I outlined the Snow White becomes a vampire series and entitled it Blood and Snow. I wanted this series to be different. Fun. Like a weekly TV show. The genre is a YA fantasy romance.


#2. I wasn't afraid to do the work. What I mean is I collected a team to help make my books the best they could be. Professionally edited. Formatter. Hiring a  cover designer. Blog tours. Cover reveals. Book trailers. Marketing.

And I'll say this.

Marketing is the most difficult part. There is no hard and fast rule. What works for one may not work for another. A group called Free Par-Tay really helped me out though.

Another marketing tip: Social Media is your friend.

Start up a Facebook Author page. I had less than a hundred "likes" at this time last year. Now I've got more than 1500 (1725 to be exact =D). If you check out my page, you'll notice that I try to keep my fans engaged. It's fun, easy, and allows you to connect with them on a personal level.

Start up a newsletter. I use MailChimp. I'm sure there are others out there, but MailChimp is easy. Those who sign up for your newsletter are golden. They like you. They really, really like you. And this gives you a way to reward them. You can run contests, let them be the first to know your book is coming out, and give out free books (in exchange for an honest review).

Make it easy for readers to purchase more of your books. Put links to your other books at the end of your story.

#3. Pricing. As an indie author I can price my books however I want. I'm not afraid to put my book at .99 cents for a while. I rarely price my book over $3.99. It may seem low, but it isn't. And I'll tell you this. I made 6 figures in three months following this rule.

#4. Write. This is the given. If you release a book and it doesn't do great. After you've done all you can, move on.

I released Exiled and for the first six months sold like 250 books. Then I released Sleeping Roses and sold 25 books. In June 2012 I released the first Blood and Snow (my Snow White becomes a vampire series) and sold 100 in the first month.

Then in July 2012, Sleeping Roses took off. I sold 10,000 that month. And, of course my other books picked up as well. By the end of January 2013 I'd sold more than 200,000 books, most of them were that silly little book no one thought would do well ~ the Snow White becoming a vampire series ~ Blood and Snow.

From May to December 2012, I wrote, released, published, and promoted 9 novellas and a full length book.

#5. Luck. I hesitate to mention this, but it's true. As with anything. There is a little bit of luck involved. Pixel of Ink picked up the first four volumes in my Blood and Snow series. Without them I wouldn't have done nearly as well. The cool thing about this is your luck can happen at anytime.

So hang in there. Do what you love.

***

Author Bio:  RaShelle Workman is the bestselling author of the Dead Roses series ("Sleeping Roses" is being translated into Turkish, and will be available in print wherever Turkish books are sold in 2014), the Immortal Essence series, Blood and Snow series and Touching Melody (A Forever First Novel). She's sold over three hundred thousand copies of her novels worldwide in the past year, including Japan, Canada, and Europe. You can find RaShelle all over the web, but the best place to start is on her BLOG

Ninja News

I’m back! Missed you guys this week. I managed to slip in a visit a few folks, but was too busy with work to do much more than that. Safe to say, I’m happy to be home.

Tyrean Martinson’s next book, Dragonfold and Other Adventures comes out July 3! One of the stories is about Captain Wrath – awesome! She’s not doing a blog tour, so anyone who can help spread the word will be appreciated.

Angela Brown just released ATONE, a NEO Chronicles: Character Revealed novella. Congratulations, Angela!



There’s an awesome review of CassaStorm on Goodreads right now, thanks to always-awesome Lynda Young who read a review copy. If you want to know a little more about it (or add to your Goodreads list) check it out.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

My awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG will be Nancy Thompson, Mark Koopmans, and Heather Gardner!

And due to popular consent, the name will remain the same. There were some good points made:

Sean: I don't think it's negative to admit your insecurities. Besides, if you changed it, it would be a whole lot of work for everybody and it would kill the SEO you've built up.

Rachel: Writers have insecurities, it's not negative it's just real. Wasn't that part of the point? We all have insecurities, and that's okay.

Robyn: There's nothing wrong with admitting we're insecure. It's like saying "We're human."

Robin: I think if you changed it to Secure Writers (or something like that) it would make people who felt insecure or unpublished or whatever feel like the group wasn't for them. It was strictly a group for Established Writers to share things that they know. And anyone who wasn't published should just shut up and read. That is my take. I know I would never join a Secure Writers Support Group. I would read the posts, but it is clearly for Better Writers Than Me. A name like that is a great way to make people Not Join.

Michael: The name says it all. It's a SUPPORT GROUP for writers who are troubled and need support from our community. I've always thought it wonderful and so incredibly special. An exclusive club for writers.

Hildie: Keep the name, it's all about being insecure, if we were secure we wouldn't need a group, duh!

And the most compelling argument came from Mark: Please don't change the name of IWSG. It's taken me nearly two years to put the four letters in the correct order.

Ready to move 300,000 books now? Any questions for RaShelle? (She rocks, by the way.) See any good news? Happy I’m not changing the letters of the IWSG? And who’s going to see Superman this weekend? I’m taking off early on Friday to see it. After this work week, I’ve earned!

Ninja News, Movie Trivia Answers, and This Year’s YOU ROCK Award Recipients!

That’s right – time for the fourth annual YOU ROCK awards!

But first…

Ninja News

Thrill of it all Blogfest
Hosted by Tara Tyler, who is celebrating her upcoming book, Pop Travel, and Heather Gardner, celebrating her newly released book, Maguire’s Corner.
“On June 24th, share a big thrill with us to be entered into The Thrill of it All blogfest contest! We will judge the biggest thrills and give out some thrilling prizes. Entries may be real or fiction.”

The 3-Ups-Blog Hop, hosted by Randi Lee at The Emotional Process of Writing a Novel, is in full swing right now.
My assignment – author Diane Carlisle.
This was the first time I’ve met Diane and here’s what I discovered that’s cool about her:
1-UP – She offers a lot of great writing tips
2-UP – She has a forum on her blog and welcomes discussions, news, and stories.
3-UP – She’s involved in the writing community!

VikLit’s “Celebrating the Small Things” is today. I’m celebrating a three day weekend, taking off from work early again to see a movie (Fast and Furious 6), and the joy of friendship with those listed below. What are you celebrating?

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Goodfellas – 1990 – Martin Scorsese
2 – Empire of the Sun – 1987 – Steven Spielberg
3 – The Fifth Element – 1997 – Luc Besson
4 – Unforgiven – 1992 – Clint Eastwood
5 – Contact – 1997 – Robert Zemeckis

The YOU ROCK Award!

Time to pass out the fourth annual YOU ROCK Award. Every year it becomes more difficult! I could easily give it to dozens of people. But I keep it to four to seven special recipients, people who have really touched my heart. And this year the award is personalized! All recipients past and present will receive a personalized badge.

Past recipients include: Jeffrey Beesler at World of the Scribe, Gail at At The Farm, Rusty Webb at The Blutonian Death Egg, Chuck at Apocalypse Now, George at CineMarvellous, Lee at Tossing it Out, Yvonne Lewis at The Written Word, RaShelle Workman at A No. 2 Pencil Stat, Hannah at The Write Mood, Jeremy at Retro Z’s, Matthew at The QQQE, Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances, Ella at Ella’s Edge, M Pax, Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs, and Melissa Bradley at Melissa’s Imaginarium.

I know everyone likes to skim, but I hope you will take a moment to read about these amazing people.

This year’s truly rockin’ cool bloggers:

Robyn at Life By Chocolate
I met Robyn three years ago when some of us were planning a group blog. We never could agree on a name (I think at one point it was One Cool Chick and Seven Dumb Guys) and eventually it fell apart. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Robyn at first, but once the joint blog fell through, I finally got a chance to know her. And in her I found one of the most witty, charming, and delightful woman I’ve ever met. She is just a joy and I've treasure our exchanges over the years. She’s also been in the hospital this week, so I hope this brings a smile to her face today. Robyn, I adore you – you rock!

Lynda Young
I met Lynda about three years ago and knew at once she was a kindred spirit. A fellow writer and Christian, she possesses a true joy and peace. Much to my amazement, I discovered we shared the same tastes in in all things geek. Lynda is my geek sister and twin, and our lives mirror many of the same experiences and values. She is a true friend, stable and supportive. Lynda, I appreciate you more than you know – you rock!

Michael Di Gesu at In Time
Dedicated, expressive, and compassionate are the first words that come to mind when I think of Michael. That he cares so much for others is reflected in his posts, whether it’s highlighting a friend’s book or taking about earthly angels. He possesses tenacity and drive in all things he does. And it’s this genuine heart and spirit that make you such an amazing friend. Michael – you rock!

Heather at The Waiting is the Hardest Part
My posts are not complete until Heather has left one of her perky and thoughtful comments. It’s difficult to convey emotion online, but a big smile comes through in everything she writes. She has a great sense of humor (the woman carries a gnome around, taking pictures!) and her bubbling personality shines in Stormy. But it is you Heather who’s the great friend, and you rise to the occasion every time. I can always count on you. Heather – you rock!

Stephen Tremp
One of my very first followers, Stephen has always been there. He is consistent and persistent in everything he does. He’s very supportive, and not afraid to jump into any project if it benefits others. And when the world falls apart, he digs in his heels, offers a smile, and says “We’re going through!” Stephen, I really admire that in you. Thanks for the many years of friendship. Stephen – you rock!

Al at Father Dragon Writes
Last but not least is Al. Usually it takes years to build a solid friendship, but once in a while you meet someone so real and true that it happens overnight. Al is the epitome of strength, wisdom, and commitment. His genuine heart is indeed a dragon’s heart. Some days he struggles far more than most realize, but Al’s good for his word and will always come through for his friends. He’s trusting to a fault. (And after the clone machine incident with his dwarves, he’ll probably never loan them to me again!) Al, you are that friend that never leaves our side, even when it gets ugly, and I’m honored to know you. From one Alex to another – you rock!

Thanks so much, guys! Your awards will be emailed to you later today.

Joining either bloghop? Get any of the trivia right? Who’s seeing Fast and Furious 6 this weekend? Follow these amazing, rocking bloggers? And who would YOU nominate for the YOU ROCK Award?

Since Monday is a holiday, I am taking the day off!! I will be back on Wednesday for the Get Healthy Bloghop.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, and Get Healthy Bloghop!

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My awesome co-hosts today are Lynda Young, Mark Koopmans, and Rachna Chhabria! Please be sure to thank them for their time and effort to make all IWSG members feel welcome.

With my third book coming out in September, I am still debating whether I will continue writing or not. I never planned beyond that first book, and three total is nothing short of a miracle. I’ve enjoyed focusing on my guitar playing and band. (Although this past month, I’ve spent a lot of time keeping up with the Challenge.)

I do have an idea for another book. At the moment, it’s a fairly straightforward space opera with one big twist.

But I know that if I am to grow as a writer, it needs to be a lot more than what I’ve done in the past. It needs to be really different. I’d need to apply a lot of ‘what ifs?’ to the story. Can I make it really unique and pull it off?

I envy those of you who want writing to be a career and are full of ideas. Some of you are so good at twisting stories and writing poetic prose. I’m just not sure that’s my path.

Maybe once summer is here and the blogging world has settled some, I’ll figure it out.

Be sure to visit other participants on the LIST!

Ninja News

Z’s trivia answer – The four main characters in Zombieland were named Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita, and Little Rock.

The Linky List for the A to Z Challenge Reflections post will open early Friday morning. Be sure you enter the link to your post after it is up!

Available today!

The Newstead Project
By Melanie Schulz

The Recruiter from Newstead watched the game anxiously…

Paperback and eBook available at Amazon

Wednesday Movie Quote

Post your favorite here or play along on your own blog.

Today’s genre is Action-adventure.

My selection is from Raiders of the Lost Ark:

“You want to talk to God? Let’s go see him together. I’ve got nothing better to do.”

“Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?”

Next week – psychological thriller.

The Get Healthy Blog Hop May 29th, 2013!

Stephen Tremp, L. Diane Wolfe, Michael Di Gesu, and myself have teamed up for a Blog Hop that focuses on health. This is an issue with many bloggers who have expressed gaining weight over the holidays and other negative health issues that they are dealing with. Here is a Blog Hop that can help us make 2013 a year that we can help turn the tides!

The Objective: Share with everyone something you have done that affected your health in a positive way. You can share an awesome low cal low fat tasty recipe. Post simple tips to lose weight. Or a testimony on what has helped like joining Weight Watchers. Recommend a routine like P90X or Insanity. Or stretches one can do while sitting in their office chair working or writing. We’re sure people have countless great tips and ideas they would love to share.

Sign up here:


What’s your insecurity today? Ready to compose your Challenge Reflections post? What’s your favorite Action-adventure movie quote? And what healthy tip can you offer to others?

NOW you are free to take a break! I imagine it will be a ghost town here on Thursday…

Marketing Tips, Ninja News, Shannara TV Series, Help with Goodreads List, Ninja Answers, and Movie Trivia Answers

The wonderful Misha Gericke at My First Book invited me to do a post on marketing. Actually, she offered several topics and for some bizarre reason, I chose marketing. Is there a secret to marketing a book? If you are an author, I invite you to visit Misha for my best guess as to how to market a book.

Ninja News!

Juliana Haygert’s novelette, Her Heart’s Secret Wish, will be published by Decadent Publishing in December. Congratulations, Juliana!!

Julie at What Else is Possible just signed a contract with a publisher for her book, Polar Night. Way to go, Julie!

Cherie Reich revealed the cover art for her Gravity Trilogy – and it is awesome!


Joylene Nowell Butler’s novel, Dead Witness, is free today at her publisher’s site! Click HERE to get your copy.

Shannara TV Series!

From Variety:
“Sonar Entertainment has acquired the rights to author Terry Brooks' bestselling fantasy series "Shannara" and is partnering with Farah Films to produce a television series based on the books.
Set hundreds of years after the destruction of our civilization, series follows the Shannara family, who are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continuously reshape the future of the world. The plan is to base the show's first season on "The Elfstones of Shannara," the second book in the series.
The 20th bestselling book in the 25-year-old series has just premiered at No. 2 on the New York Times Bestsellers list. Two more books in the series are set to be published in 2013.”

Starting with Elfstones instead of Sword makes sense, as the second book predates the first one. Warner had purchased the movie rights, but based on the success of Game of Thrones, Sonar and Farah are working together to make it a TV series. Brooks has already voiced his approval of this move.

For me, this is awesome! Sword of Shannara was the first fantasy novel I ever read, and I fell in love with the genre. I’ve had the honor of meeting Terry Brooks as well. To see the series that meant so much to me, and spurred my desire to write, come to life will be pure Heaven!

Goodreads List Help

Yes, I’ve been on Goodreads over two years now and had no idea they had lists! (I guess this Ninja needs to prowl better.) CassaStar and CassaFire are both on the list for Best Science Fiction Space Opera – if you get a chance, please vote for either one. (Or both!) Click HERE to open a new window to vote.
Really appreciate it! Be nice to see both books higher on the list.

Getting to Know Your Ninja!

Still working my way through the questions…

From Lynda Young - How long did it take for you to train to become a Ninja Captain? When will you name your heir?
November 9 will mark three years of blogging for me, so I guess that’s how long it has taken. As for an heir… I’m not through yet!

From Michelle - If you had the opportunity to work on a collaborative music project with just ONE great artist, who would that be? Have you written any songs for the guitar? Instrumental or with lyrics?
One great artist? John Petrucci of Dream Theater. The man is beyond talented. I haven’t written any songs, but I have crafted several melodies. No lyrics. I can sing but prefer not to…

From Zoltán: Does the Ninja have to sleep? How many hours per a day do you spent with sleep?
I revel in my sleep! I usually get between six and seven hours a night during the week. (More on the weekends.) Bedtime for me is 10:00pm. Note I didn’t say that’s when I go to sleep though. (I am married to a hot wife!)

Tasha Seegmiller posted about Building the Support System on Wednesday. She liked my answer so much, she emailed me and said I should share it. Said it was romantic or something like that. So here’s the comment:

”I was fortunate my wife was supportive from day one when I began rewriting that old manuscript.
I made a pact with her that I would keep our private life private and never allow any insanity to invade our home. (Outside of me writing for hours of course.) That's why I'm such a secretive Ninja - for her.”

Movie Trivia Answers

1 – “Go that way really fast. If something gets in your way, turn.” – Better Off Dead
2 – “Maybe you’re the plucky comic relief.” – Galaxy Quest
3 – “Ray, next time someone asks you if you’re a god, say yes!” - Ghostbusters
4 – “Take this quarter, go downtown, and have a rat gnaw that thing off your face!” – Uncle Buck
5 – “You idiot! These are not them. You’ve captured their stunt doubles!” - Spaceballs

Excited for Juliana and Julie? Excited about Shannara finally coming to life? (I’m stoked!) Can you help with the Goodreads list? (I can grovel if necessary…) Surprised by my answers? Get the quotes right? And who is catching Resident Evil: Retribution this weekend?

Don’t forget to visit Misha!

Childhood Monster Blogfest, Extreme Ninja News, My Next Blogfest, and Movie Trivia Answers

Today at the the A to Z Blog is an interview with the awesome Lynda R. Young! Her blog is an excellent resource for writing tips, but for the Challenge, she featured her photography skills. Lynda is one of my first followers and just such a special person. Go check out her answers to my geeky questions!

Who Was Your Childhood Monster?

This blogfest is hosted by Christine Rains, author of the awesome Fearless. Tawa wants YOU!

I didn’t really have a childhood monster, but one scary creature did haunt me.

Remember the crappy 70’s movie Trilogy of Terror? The one with Karen Black and the fanged, knife-wielding tiki doll?

I was about eleven when I saw that film. We’d just moved into a new house and the furniture hadn’t arrived yet, so I had to sleep on the floor for a few nights. After watching said evil tiki doll terrorize Ms. Black, let’s just say the experience of sleeping on the floor was not fun! I won’t ruin the memory by watching the movie again (it was cheesy when I was eleven – bet it looks really bad now) but I can still hear freaky sounds that doll made…

Extreme Ninja News!

Jennifer Hillier’s new book, Freak, came out on Tuesday! Congratulations, Jennifer.

Michael Abayomi’s new book is out! Guardians and the Lost Paradise, Book I – The Journey is the first of six books. Congratulations, Michael!

Emily King is co-hosting the What I Did Last Summer – Fact or Fiction? Blogfest.

Mark Koopmans, Cassie Mae, Morgan Shamy, and Leigh Covington are hosting the What If Blogfest, which runs August 13-17.

Laura Eno, M. Pax, Ciara Knight, and Brinda Berry are hosting the Chocolate Blogfest on September 10.

VikLit at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author is holding a really awesome hundred follower giveaway. The prizes just rock!

Voting continues for Diane’s Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest, Thanks DL and all the others who nominated me – you guys rock!

My Next Blogfest!

Still saving the date? September 17, 2012.

Want to know the awesome theme?

Come back Monday, August 13 to find out!

Director’s Cut Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Broderick – Military – Chimps Project X
2 – Holden – Newman – Ratings Network
3 – Costner – Protection – Singer The Bodyguard
4 – Lobotomy – Fletcher – McMurphy One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
5 – Spielberg – Genetic – Dinosaurs Jurasic Park
Big Bonus!! - Lucas – Automatons – Pleasence THX 1138

What was your childhood monster? (Anyone else remember that creepy tiki doll?) Excited for the new releases? Ready for more blogfests? Dying to know the theme of mine??? And did you answer any movie questions correctly?

Don’t forget to visit Lynda Young at the A to Z Blog!

Big Thanks, Ninja News, and a Movie Review

Big thanks to everyone who participated in the First Loves Blogfest! (And if you didn’t, you missed something epic.) I wasn’t sure when I selected the subject, but I was overwhelmed by the amount of participants for my sixth solo blogfest – one hundred, fifty-three. For those of you still visiting participants, all links on the list lead directly to the First Loves post. (Yes, I spent time adding the exact links to the list.) Thanks for making this the best blogfest yet!

And special thanks to Jeremy at Retro-Zombie, Jeremy at Geeky Tendencies, and Jamie at Mithril Wisdom - you guys visited most of the participants and I really appreciate that.

For my next blogfest… I have no idea at this point! But I guarantee it will be something fun.

NINJA NEWS

I have an interview today over at Jessica Salyer’s site, Just Following a Dream! Jessica is really awesome and she asked some deep questions that could change the course of the universe. Well, maybe not that deep! But it was fun and I hope you’ll pay her a visit.

Jessica Bell's new book, Fabric, came out this week – congratulations, Jessica! You are just so talented.

Roland Yeoman’s latest book, Best of Enemies, is also now available. You rock, Roland!

Lynda Young is one of six authors appearing in the anthology, Make Believe, which will be released this December. Way, to go Lynda! You are such a positive force and I’m really happy for you.

And yes, Diablo III is AWESOME!!!!

MOVIE REVIEW

The Adventures of Tintin
Finally caught this on NetFlix. The visuals are beyond stunning – not a hundred percent realistic, but getting much closer. The film also had a Raiders of the Lost Ark feel. However, there was something… ODD about this film. It was too serious for kids and yet had moments that were too silly for adults. The story just didn’t engage me _ I was almost bored. I am not familiar with the original comic though, so I’m sure core fans enjoyed it more. Just didn’t do it for me.

SPECIAL THANKS

Wanted to thank all of my awesome followers and blogger buddies who’s supported and followed me these past few months as I’ve floundered my way through another book release, the IWSG, the A to Z Challenge, my blogfest, and all the crazy features along the way. I’ve tried to do my best and know I sometimes fall short. This blog is now all about you guys and I want to keep it positive and fun. Whatever I can do to help my blogger buddies, you know I am there for you.

What did you think of the First Loves Blogfest? Excited about all the new books this week? Playing Diablo III right now? What did you think of Tintin? Am I doing all right? Don’t forget to visit Jessica Salyer!